In the wake of October 7th, we have seen a disturbing rise in antisemitism, ideological extremism, and targeted violence—particularly in schools and universities. In 2024, 74% of our cases involved individuals under 25, and 80% contained antisemitic components (highlighting how deeply hate-based ideologies have embedded themselves across the spectrum—from the far-right and far-left to Islamist and eco-terrorist movements.). In response, our team has conducted over 700 intervention sessions, successfully off-ramping many individuals who showed signs of disengagement.
Recently, our clinical psychologist, Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern, testified before the Massachusetts State Legislature, documenting cases of Jewish students suffering from PTSD due to school bullying in the aftermath of 10/7. In the next hearing, the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) was questioned about distributing materials with antisemitic rhetoric to its 117,000 members.
On WBZ NewsRadio’s Nightside with Dan Rea, Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern and Arno Michaelis—a former neo-Nazi and exit peer specialist at Parents for Peace— called in to express deep concerns about the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) materials.
“I am incredibly concerned about this content. In many cases, it is word-for-word the same antisemitic tropes we used in the late 90s and the same antisemitic tropes white nationalists today use.
Dr. Bar-Halpern emphasized the broader implications, stating:
“This is not just an education issue. This is a social issue. This is what leads to radicalization.”
The MTA’s materials pose a serious threat to both Jewish and non-Jewish students. Jewish students are already experiencing the consequences—school avoidance, anxiety, PTSD, and social isolation. For non-Jewish students, exposure to such content increases the risk of radicalization.
Rather than educating teachers on how to combat all forms of hatred, which are often closely interlinked with antisemitism, the MTA are spreading a one-sided, false narrative that fosters division. Teaching about the Middle East conflict is important, but it must be done in a way that is accurate, balanced, and sensitive to all perspectives. Schools should be places of learning, safety, and inclusion—not sources of misinformation and hate.
The fight against radicalization and antisemitism starts with awareness—but it cannot end there. We must demand accountability from institutions that shape young minds and ensure that education is a force for truth, not division. When hate-based ideologies infiltrate schools, they don’t just harm Jewish students; they create an environment where extremism thrives and critical thinking is replaced with indoctrination. At Parents for Peace, we remain committed to providing intervention, education, and support to those at risk. But this is a collective effort. If you share our concerns, speak out, ask questions, and push for a learning environment that upholds facts, fosters empathy, and rejects all forms of hate.
